Boise State
ran its record to 11-0 with a 49-10 win over Utah
State today in Bronco Stadium. This one was all about the seniors, with 22
senior Broncos saluted prior to kickoff.
This incredible class has achieved feats no Boise
State team has ever done. They’ve created countless memories for Bronco
fans, who will never forget this group.
Gerald Alexander
Boisebob
says “I'll start it off by saying that Gerald's hit in Utah was the hardest smash of a human
that I've seen in over 40 years of watching football games.”
BroncNuts
seconds that: “I have gotten the
opportunity to talk to Gerald at school, and one of the things that sticks out
about him to me is his confident yet humble attitude. Course we talked about
"The Hit", and told me, he didn't even think he hit the guy that
hard. He said that that was the first time that he ever actually heard the
crowd as they did a collective OOOOO when he decleated the guy. He said,
"when I saw the helmet rolling across the ground after that......that will
probably be my signature play. I know
I'll never forget that hit for as long as I live, and I jokingly gave him the
which
he smiled at. What a great guy”
BlueandOrangeMonkey
said “I will always remember his amazing leaping ability. He had an
interception his sophomore year. I can't remember the team it was against, but
he jumped up at the 5 yard line and intercepted the ball in front of the
receiver in the end zone preventing a score and creating a turnover. He has
great hops. I also will remember him leaping at the line of scrimmage to block
kicks.”
parkJar
noted “Last year at LaTech when a LT receiver had the Broncos beat deep in the end
zone and GA comes out of nowhere to bat the ball away - preventing a sure
touchdown.”
Broncosoldier
said “speaking of his leaping ability, he had a pick in that UT game that he
skyed for. I remember the Bowling Green game last year; he had like a
million batted balls. He was all over the place”
Broncotech
added “Against Bowling Green last year when we were 0-2 he stepped up and shut
down QB Omar Jacobs. When he blocked that field goal against San Jose in 04 I
was so excited I jumped up and hit my head on the doorway!”
Droo31
added “His field goal block at SJSU in 2004 and his monster hit on Poston will
be his legacy. An all around great athlete who has progressed every year he's
been here and come into his own at the Safety spot. Gonna' miss this guy for
sure.”
Don’twinejustsupport
reminds us that we have an establishment (Louisiana Fried Chicken) where we can
remember GA every day: “But I need to
add that his family bringing in a sweet chicken grub house will let us
reminisce about his plays bite after savory bite.”
Colt Brooks
parkJar remembers “Pick 6 against Utah before halftime that sealed the
deal. Also the hit on Wichman in the
2005 Idaho game that turned the tide! Austin Smith picked it up and
ran it in for 6!”
Rocketman5000
added “He used to be an unsung hero--not anymore. One of the best tacklers on
the team, he's always around the ball and wreaking havoc for opponents. Great perseverance
for earning the scholarship and the starting role. Brooks and Hall were one of
the best linebacker duos in the history of Boise State football.”
SDhoze
said “First of all, a classic BSU overachiever. One of a long line of walk-ons
to turn into something special. Loved
his sack (even though it was on a bobbled snap) in the MPC bowl last year. That
just electrified the crowd.”
Blue
Tundra pays tribute this way: “Brooks is what this program is all about. Once a
local boy with huge heart and desire and now a man who can, and given his start
on life, will likely succeed at whatever he chooses. A Classic BSU fighter.”
Broncobilly03
said “He is tough as nails, fast and smart. He brings the heat on every play and
his motor never stops. He is Bronco Football.”
Johnnybronco
sums it up: “One of the greats that
walked on the BSU program. He is the glue that keeps the defense together.”
Andrew Browning
Johnnybronco
added “A player that did not get a lot of looks out of high school, came in as
a walk-on and excelled. He is the strength of our defensive line this year.
Smart gusty player gives 110% all the time”
OrigRoughRider
noted “Chasing Louisville all over the Liberty Bowl after his helmet kept
popping off. 200% effort all the time. Talk
about a motor.”
Farrington
adds “Consistent, reliable, totally focused.
Good luck Andy........thanks for every minute you gave to us.”
Rocketman5000
noted “Consistency, dependability, a stalwart in the middle of the Bronco defense.”
Jadon Dailey
U of I Hater says “Jadon is an awesome guy. He is what our team is made up of, a whole
bunch of blue collar work horses. He is
the first one the media interviews and you can see his passion for Bronco
Football. He will be missed!”
Smrfturf
adds “He came in from JUCO pretty highly touted, having picked BSU over an
offer from Iowa and looks from a couple other
programs. Even with that, he had to wait his turn, and when he got in made the
most of his opportunity. He came into the La Tech game last year with a new
line rotation and was blowing guys off the ball.”
Valrie
points out “heart and soul! Give us 50 j.d's and we'd win it all
every year!”
BSU96
said “I just love his attitude. Beat out by a younger player for the center spot,
but made the most of replacing him. True team player and leader of our O-line.”
Johnnybronco said “Classic BSU Center-- strong, smart, and athletic. Chose BSU over Iowa. Unsung hero on our great
offensive line.”
Brett Denton
Rocketman5000
says “I remember seeing him in the Blue-Orange games and thinking what
incredible depth the Broncos had at running back. He is a relentless runner,
his legs always churning fighting for extra yards. What a great attitude!”
OrigRoughRider
notes “I remember talking to Brett every week at the Athletic Training Center with my son. Worked his butt off
to increase his speed and strength. He was going to be ready to deliver and he
is.”
BlueTundra
adds “Denton has had huge heart.
Another young man who typifies what the Broncos and life success is all
about.”
Smrfturf says “A kid like that, with his determination,
will have a great life after football.”
BSU96 points out “Great example of what makes BSU so
successful. Came in as a walk-on and is leaving with as a scholarship player.
Knows his role and is ready when called upon.”
Mike Dominguez
BlueandOrangeMonkey remembers Mike this way: “I will always remember him for being the
long snapper and still being the first one down to make the tackle. Also, he
always seems to make the most of the limited time he gets on defense. He is
always around the ball when he gets the chance.”
Farrington adds “Long snapper and hard hitter, two of the
most important functions on the team and he did them both with an amazing
degree of accuracy, dependability and professionalism. It was terrific Mike........you will be
missed.”
BSU96 has this memory:
“I will remember him for playing hard whenever he's on the field.
Although he wasn't a starter at D-end, he always brought it, even when the game
was all but over.”
Dennis Ellis
Rocketman5000 says “He's given the Broncos the pass rush
that Bronco fans have craved. With all the publicity about that, I've been
impressed by his play against the run. He's learned the Bronco way and the
defensive schemes in a short time--not easy to do.”
SDHoze
points out “If we win a BCS bowl, no new
starter will have been more important in my opinion. That other starting tackle
spot was a big question mark even before Volk got hurt and Ellis has been very
tough in the middle. Very, very pleasant surprise.”
Soupslam
notes “He seemed to mature at BSU and has had a great senior season. Great
effort all year long. He is as responsible as anyone for the great season we
have had!”
Spudrunners
added “DE has become a beast this year. You'll see him down the field 30 yards
chasing a guy down. The thing I'll remember is against Oregon State this year. They were running all
over us the first couple series, DE was put in and coincidence or not, the game
was over for them offensively. Wish we had another year with him in the
middle.”
Rafter 17 remarks “Big success story. He's turned into a legit All-WAC player in just 1 season.”
Korey Hall
ParkJar
remembers one of the great Korey Hall plays:
“Avalos knocks it up to Chris; Carr pops it over to Korey - Hall takes
it in for 6!”
BSUfanhuf
remembers another: “My favorite play
from Hall came in the BYU game in Provo when he was just a freshman. He
had a number of big hits in that game but I remember him most for just blowing
up the BYU QB just as he got rid of the ball. One of the best hits by a bronco
let alone a freshman. The QB got up wondering what time zone he was in. We knew
after that game that he was a special player and he hasn't disappointed. One of
the best LB's in BSU history and he had some big shoes to fill picking up where
Avalos left off. Thanks for the memory's Korey and good luck at the next
level.”
Soupslam
notes “Best LB I have seen at Boise State in 25 years of watching some good
ones. Smart and tough as they come. Heart and soul of the BSU defense. If Korey
doesn't make some NFL team they are crazy. I would guess he will be an OLB in
the pros.”
BroncoInVegas
said that Hall is “1 of the best to ever suit up, bar none.”
Rocketman5000
notes “The fact that he is among the nation's leaders in interceptions is a
testament to his knowledge of the game. That he is a linebacker among the
nation's best is truly amazing.”
Jibscout
says “I have never seen a middle linebacker at any level read the QB so well.
His 6 picks this year have to be the biggest single accomplishment I have seen
middle linebacker make on an opposing passing game.
Obviously a hard working linebacker who very seldom makes a mistake.”
RiverCityBronco
says “Hall is the best LB in BSU history, mainly because he has the knack and
ability to change the course of a game.”
Farrington
notes “I had the privilege of meeting Korey's parents during a trip to Hawaii and if you have ever talked with
them, you can easily understand the success of the son. His entire family has
to be the most enthusiastic, supportive group of people you could ever hope to
meet. Korey himself is an outstanding
individual and will enjoy success in whatever endeavor he goes into in life. However, for fond memories, I will have to
vote for the hit he put on the BYU quarterback. I seriously did not think that
anyone could get up and walk away from that hit. I have a video of that game
and every time I watch the game I have to rewind and see "the hit"
several times.”
Smrfturf
adds “I don't think QB's are challenging him so much as he knows exactly where
to be in the passing lanes and can read the QB's eyes so well. He becomes
'invisible' for just long enough. My
favorite K Hall play was a sack he made in the 2004 BYU game. BYU had the
momentum and the D needed a stop. I saw Korey line up over the center and knew
he was going to blow that play up. Sure enough, he blew through the line like
it wasn't there and dragged the QB down with one hand. Beautiful!”
Gvp559
says “One thing that will be strange for me is not seeing the flagpole with his
number on one of the flags and the 47 family members standing at the base of it
all wearing his jersey in the parking lot. Their support was awesome.”
STLBronco
noted “I liked the kid before I met him because he went to the coaches after my
brother’s (David Shields) freshman year and told them that he had to see the
field more. From that point on he taught my brother what it takes to play well
at a position he hadn’t played in 4 years.”
Booneofid
says “Like many of you, where do you start when you want to talk about this
guy! The INT versus OSU in 2004! Game changing! How about the pick on the first
position against Utah this year? Set the tone! The
numerous sacks and solo tackles in the open field. And great blocks while on
Special teams even this season! It can go on and on! Boise State has had so many great LB's.
Starting with B Johnson, M McLaughlin, A Avalos, S Russell, those guys were
amazing to watch but none of them have captivated me like watching Korey Hall.
He may just be my favorite Bronco of all time! He will be sorely missed by
everyone from the fans, media, teammates, and more importantly coaches! K Hall is a BSU great, one of the best to
strap on a helmet and don the Orange and Blue! Congrats on a terrific
career and best of luck going forward! Now go win us a BCS BOWL GAME and hoist that trophy
over your head with pride! You deserve it!”
Jared Hunter
Johnnybronco
says “Solid Role player. Switched from a linebacker to a tight end, that enough
tells you about his ability.”
BluThruNThru
says “My favorite memory of Jared Hunter was in the MPC bowl last year. He had
a crucial 15+ yard catch right over the middle.”
Jovan Hutchinson
Valrie
pointed out “even though he didn't get a lot of playing time, I'll remember him
as a great team guy--a guy who gave himself to the overall
improvement of the program as a whole. If
you notice Jovan
always was a guy who roams the sidelines amping up his
teammates and fans. With that kind of
attitude he'll go
far in life! “
Broncoblue
remembers “A class player, who ALWAYS took time out to talk to me whenever I'd
see him. I'll never forget the hug he gave me when I was crossing the tunnel as
I was going to my seat in the SEZ last year!!!
Thank you
Jovan,
for your friendship and kind words! You, sir, WILL BE MISSED!!!!”
Drisan James
Sonofabronco
said “I recall him being a "go-to" guy, hauling in several key
catches on third down.”
BSU96
added “I'll remember his overall speed and how he usually left corners in the
dust on deep routes.”
Quinton Jones
Johnnybronco
said “His special teams play last year, especially the MPC bowl game against Boston College and how could I forget the Idaho game last yr. with his punt
return for touchdown.”
Rocketman5000
remembers “The BC one was by far the most dramatic--he electrified the
rain-soaked crowd and gave the Broncos the spark they needed to come back. So
many great runs and returns. Here's another QJ play I'll remember--with him
losing his starting job, he came in in nickel coverage against San Jose and made a tremendous play on the
ball late in the game that helped the Broncos score the win.”
Farrington
added “To the uninitiated, our talk about "Q" sounds like something
from a James Bond movie, but maybe that is not so far fetched. Q is just as elusive as "Mr. Bond"
and has demonstrated it with speed and maneuverability that cannot be matched
my many, if any, others. My biggest and
most memorable thrill from watching Q's play has to be last years MPC bowl
game. I seriously need oxygen after screaming during his returns in that game.”
Ryan Keating
Bronco
fans are hoping that Ryan receives a medical redshirt from the NCAA so that he
can return next year. He was injured
shortly before the season began in a year that he was expected to start.
Brad Lau
BSUfanhuf
said “One of the best lead blockers in BSU history. The O Line and RB's get a
lot of pub. but they wouldn't be able to get the yards on the ground they do
without Lau. Underrated receiver out of the backfield too.”
Rocketman5000
added “Like having another tight end in there. He has been the Bronco
tailbacks' best friend. You're right, many clutch catches for Lau. Tough,
hard-nosed, and does everything asked of him and more.”
Farrington
noted “Loved watching his play and his sportsmanship on and off the field.’
Johnnybronco
said “One of the great lead blockers all time at BSU. Lunch pail type of player
along with the smarts.”
BlueTundra
points out that Lau is “A player who I suspect will play in the NFL. His
strength, receiving and blocking skills aren't all that easy to find in one
package.”
True2BSU
relates this story: “Best memory I have
of Brad Lau was just a week after his freshman season ('03, Fort Worth Bowl
winners) our church group invited him to come speak to about 120 young men at a
special weekend retreat in Cambridge, ID. He spoke for over 30 minutes
about why it was so important to him to set and live high standards in all
areas of his life, physical, mental, spiritual, relationships, etc. Of course,
he also talked about how exciting it was to be a part of an amazing team like
the Bronco! Very inspirational stuff. Then
he hung out will all of the young men the rest of the night and helped make it
an unforgettable experience for everyone there.
These guys all do SO much behind the scenes that just reconfirms what
OUTSTANDING men they are on and off the field. We're lucky to have shared these
years with them. Best of luck Brad and
God Bless in all you do in life!”
Anthony Montgomery
Rocketman5000
notes “The dedication and the improvement. To hit a field goal like last week
to win the game had to be most gratifying for this hard worker. His kick
against San Jose saved a lot of hearts.”
Jibscout
added “Lots of improvement and mental toughness this year for this kid.”
Farrington
said “I will never, ever forget the final field goal kicked last weekend in the
San
Jose game.”
BSU96
agrees “He's been rock solid this season on kickoffs, PAT's and field goals. Game
winner against SJSU was the gem”
Legedu Naanee
Johnnybronco said “L.A. is a testament to a true bronco. Came
in as a quarterback in whom the coaches respected, he alone decided he wanted
to help the team out and switched to a new position and excelled at it. That
straight arm he put on the Idaho game on the defender was a
classic.”
Broncoblue
said “He was always a great guy to be around! Will miss him a lot!”
Parkjar
added “Just seeing LA out on the field has to be intimidating. Looks like we
pulled some guy off the Dallas Cowboys and set him up at wideout!”
Farrington
had this to say “Multitalented is the best way to describe Legedu's play. I
don't care where he was put, or what he was asked to do, he did it with
enthusiasm and a high degree of professionalism. A thinker and a doer. Really hate to see this guy go, he has been
such a joy to watch. Glad he was on our side and good luck in the future.”
Jerard Rabb
Spudrunners
was impressed “watching him come in as a JC guy and producing right away. Someone saying they watched him run routes in
the summer in the park. Being interviewed and saying he wanted want most of his
teammates already had: a WAC championship ring.
I’ll remember the bobbling catch falling down at Utah,
the two-point conversion catch at SJS...probably the biggest catch at the most
important time this year.”
OrigRoughRider
noted “He's an awesome person and one of the players who progresses the most
from last year to this. His downfield blocks are impressive as his acrobatic one
hand grabs. Could have been one of our
best WR's ever if we would have thrown to him more. We need 3-4 Jerard Rabb's
on our team. Will be sorely missed next
year. Big shoes for the X-factor or Key to fill.”
Farrington
added “Great hands, speed, maneuverability.....what more can you say.”
Broncalot
said “my favorite memory is a couple of weeks ago when he celebrated with the
handshake after making that touchdown catch. thought that was classic after he
had gotten ejected a few weeks before for the celebrating.”
NashvilleBronco
remembers “he one handed TD catch in the 2005 spring game.”
Rocketman5000
remembers Rabb this way: “Great athletic
ability, the amazing leaping catches. Great hands. How he grabbed the two-point
conversion against San Jose State I'll never know. He just wanted
it and came down with it. He's a great guy too!”
Derek Schouman
Parkjar
“Stiff-arm against a DUI DB in the 2004 game!
Click here for clip, go to
0:40 His amazing game against Oregon State in 2004.
Clutch catches at the end of the Hawaii 2006 game that sealed it. Above all, him manhandling 275lbs+ DE's at
the edge on any random play!”
Blue and
Orange Monkey noted “His play in the 4th quarter of the BC game. He has been
clutch in the 4th quarter of several games. He sustained several drives in the
liberty bowl too. He will be missed.”
Don’twhinejustsupport
added “Shoe on and off the field is #1 in my opinion. But what impresses me is
his handling of the simpler things in life. He is a Man among boys in so many
ways and if you ever get the chance to speak with this gentleman, you will
leave with the same opinion as I.”
BroncCPO
remembers “He made a catch to save the last drive in the Liberty Bowl, it was
4th and something, but as soon as I saw him out in the flat, I knew it would be
another first down.
Anotherbrickinthewall
pointed out “How bout that game-winning catch in the Ft. Worth Bowl as a true
freshman??”
U of I
Hater pays tribute to Derek: “Shooeeee. We
take our shoes off and hold them in the air for every one of his catches. Wow!
I can't believe he is almost gone!
Kyle Stringer
Blue Idaho knows him personally and comments
“I've got a class with Kyle. He strikes me as a nice guy and a gentleman. He's
graduating next month. Nice job Kyle!”
Gr8Bronco
added “The 2004 San Jose game, snap went high; I swear
Kyle levitated himself to snag it out of the air and get the punt off! Just one
of many gr8 plays he made the last four years!”
Old
Bronco had this to say “Seriously, Kyle is a fantastic young man who is headed
to great success on and off the field in the future. We're tickled that you
found us Kyle and we want to wish you the best in the future!”
One of
the many great plays that Kyle made was not a punt but one that showcased his
great athletic ability nonetheless, as parkJar explains “2005 Hawaii game, blotched snap and instead
of taking the sack or trying to punt it away on the run - Kyle cuts upfield and
picks up the first down!”
Johnnybronco
adds “Probably one of the best punters Boise State has ever had. Amazing athletic ability!”
Rocketman5000
says “I've never had more confidence in a punter. Nor didn't want to miss a second of watching
him back there--he's pure star quality and his light shines bright. His high booming punts to the top of the
Bronco Stadium lights have been magic.”
OnTheRoad
adds “Not to minimize his great athletic ability, but I'm impressed that he
could graduate in 3 1/2 years. His mom and dad should be proud.”
Tony Volponi
Patrick13
says “I feel that Tony has been a great example to the younger players coming
up. A steady, dependable team player whose contribution to the o-line is hard
for people not in the program to appreciate. Thanks to Tony and here is to
seeing you getting your share on the blue this Saturday.”
Mike G. Williams
Rocketman5000
said “This dependable defensive lineman from Canada held his ground against the run, helping make Boise State one of the top defenses in the nation against the run.”
Jared Zabransky
parkJar
said “This last week, at SJSU. Sick as a dog, and he goes 14-20 for 181 yards,
including a couple amazing drives.”
Bronco In
Vegas pointed out “best winning percentage of any BSU QB.”
BSUFanHuf
noted a memorable Z play “e statue of liberty trick play to Ian in the Idaho game this year. I'm still not
sure where the ball is.
Spudrunners
added “comeback player of the year. Putting team goals first and doing what it
took to win games. Those options are a thing of beauty.”
Born
Bronco said “I don't think I will forget his connection with Acree against BYU.
One of the most emotional games I have been apart of.”
Rocketman5000
remembers this “Perseverance. Life doesn't always go the way you expect it to,
and he's faced the pressure like a pro. His scrambling ability and speed are a
thrill to watch. His pass to Perretta on fourth down last year in the BC game
was amazing. And of course his run against Hawai'i. The entire Rainbow Warrior team
was shocked that he could run that fast.”
Thundering
Orange pointed out “I have to agree
about the run at the 04 UH game. That was truly awe inspiring. But the thing I
will always remember about the Z man was his ability to juke the shoes off the
defenders in the open field. He made so many corners look like bush leaguers.
He will be missed.”
G
Erickson said “After the SMU game in 04 I took my old man into the locker room. Former
players have been given the opportunity to buy a plaque on a locker, and when
we went in to snap a photo of "my" locker, it was Jared's. It was
cool to talk to him for a minute, and he was just such a nice person. That's my
best memory of him.”
Jibscout
added: “Have to give the kid a lot of credit for mental toughness.”
Broncosoldier
said “He has matured so much and come so far. He definitely gets comeback
player of the year, I’d even nominate him for MVP, as good and dominating as
Ian is, Z is just having a phenomenal year, and not by amazing stats or anything.
His stats are conservative. But the way he manages and operates the offense is
awesome. I hope the young QB’s are watching and taking notes.”
Alanweezie
said “Not an 85 yard run for a TD or a perfect pass but Z's taking care of the
family farm while in HS when his dad was hospitalized is very noteworthy.”
Farrington
remarked “I have always been impressed with the way that Z takes charge from
the moment he steps onto the field and how well the team responds to his
direction. I think his ability to analyze
on field situations and manage them to the benefit of his team will later
translate into a successful manager in which ever field that he goes into in
life. Z is a unique individual that
possesses that magical ability to draw people to him and get the best out of
them. I wish him the very best in the
future.”
Broncojohnny
remembers this Z play: “I love the TD pass to Drisan in the Fresno game. Z eluded the rush with his
feet, rolled to the right and hit Dri with a great pass.”
Droo31
said “Besides his great throws, ball fakes and tremendous runs, I’ll also
remember the story about him tossing a potato 80 yards and how it crept into
the EA Sports software game “NCAA 07”.”
Broncomarauder
said “last year when he juked the jock strap off the U of I linebacker in the
open field and then walked into the end zone untouched.”
Zorki1C
added “One of my favorite moments in Z's career was this year's game with DUI. Late
in the game, the Vandals were pumped thinking they were gonna pull the upset. The
camera zooms in on Z in the huddle. He's smiling! I KNEW there was no way the
Vandals were gonna' win. He's had good
times, bad times and picked himself back up to be a solid, reliable leader. If
there is any justice in the world the Broncs will play in a BCS bowl and Z will play the game of
his career and bring home a victory. He deserves it.”
Broncoshane
“likes his ball handling skills, and his ability to escape!”
Orangefan2
has this favorite memory: “It's got to be Z's smile. If Z is smiling we either
are winning or are going to be.”